The Benue State Police Command has paraded 46 suspects arrested over the blockage of Peter Obi’s convoy in Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, had arrived in Benue State to visit the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area as part of a humanitarian and condolence visit to survivors and families affected by the deadly June 2025 attack.
However, his convoy was stopped along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near the airport and Air Force Base by a group of youths who reportedly chanted, “Peter Obi, go back!” Some of the youths were also seen carrying sticks and stones.
Following the confrontation, Obi turned back and left the state.
The incident sparked controversy after Obi and his supporters alleged that the action was organized by thugs allegedly linked to an aide of Governor Hyacinth Alia, including a Special Adviser on Youth Affairs.
The Benue State Government denied any involvement, saying officials were not informed about the visit ahead of time. The government also accused Obi of failing to follow the appropriate protocol and suggested that the incident was being used to create political tension within the NDC.
Speaking during a press briefing, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the police had been informed of Obi’s visit on Monday evening and had deployed security personnel to ensure his safety.
According to the police, a tactical, non-force approach was adopted to prevent the situation from escalating into violence or causing damage to property. Obi was eventually escorted safely back to the airport.
The police later launched intelligence-led operations which resulted in the arrest of 46 suspects. The Commissioner said investigations are ongoing and that more suspects, including some key individuals allegedly connected to the incident, are still being sought.
The police also stressed that the command remains politically neutral and is committed to protecting the constitutional right to free movement.
However, the parade of the 46 suspects has generated fresh reactions online, particularly because some people expected to be among those arrested were not seen in the footage.
One name repeatedly mentioned by commenters is Paso Igbe Terzungwe, who some online sources describe as a personal bodyguard of the governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Affairs.
Some commenters have questioned why Paso and other alleged organizers or leaders were not visible among the 46 suspects, with some describing the arrests as incomplete and demanding that the police go after those alleged to have organized the blockade.
The claims surrounding the missing individuals, however, remain allegations and have not been established as fact by the police.
The incident has further intensified political tension surrounding Peter Obi and the Benue State Government, coming against the backdrop of previous disagreements over Obi’s visits to the state and the increasingly heated political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the police investigation continues, attention is now shifting to whether more arrests will be made and whether those accused of organizing the blockade will eventually be identified and brought before the public.
